“Best Friends Orchid Vets”, sometimes referred to as “Shenandoah Orchids” has been established by Dr. Robert K. Krasnow, D.O., in the early 1990s at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Cedar Park, Maryland. Dr. Krasnow was a previous owner of three orchids which later grew to be the largest orchid garden in the history of that facility. All this work and responsibility have put him in an excellent position to know what it takes to care for these delicate plants. He also enjoys being outdoors so his concern for our environment and the need for a healthy garden are also included in his job.

As with all orchid plants, there are certain basic aspects that require constant attention and maintenance. Dr. Krasnow’s website provides a very thorough explanation of caring for your orchid plants. In particular, he emphasizes the need to purchase orchids that are healthy, young, and growing orchid plants that have been certified by one or more of the better orchid gardening associations. He further emphasizes the importance of planting orchids according to their type, size, potting medium, potting mix, water needs, fertilizer needs, potting depth, and growing seasons.

Some orchids require different amounts of light, some need shade, and some prefer humidity. They also require varying amounts of water according to the season. Some orchids are extremely fast growing and produce spectacular blooms on just one day. Other slow-growing plants may take several months to produce their first bloom. No matter the type or species, Dr. Krasnow’s website has a very extensive list of information about caring for orchids.

There are two primary groups of orchid plants that you should consider when caring for your best friends orchid plants. First, there are the tropical orchids, which come in a wide variety of orchid varieties such as the African violet, Dogtooth Butterfly, Pansy, Anthuriums, Ostrich Plume, Amaryllis, and the Odontoglossum. Second, there are the potted orchids, which include the Brichoderma, Paphiopedilum, Odontoglossum, Paphiopedilum, Cattleyea, Mycoplasma, Mylitta, and Fragrans.

Once you have decided which type of orchid you want, you should visit a local nursery or dealer. Most reputable orchids will be registered with a nursery. You can ask them what types of orchids they are selling and the best way to care for them. Some orchids will have more aggressive growth habits than others. Be careful if you plan on replanting orchids because you don’t want them crowding each other.

If you are going to grow your best friends orchids indoors, it is wise to find a sunny location. Your best friend orchid should be given about six to eight hours of light per day. It is also advisable to put the orchid in a pot with moist, well-drained soil. Remember that you should not put too much water or fertilizer on your orchids because they will retain excess moisture. If you want your orchids to bloom, you must water them on a regular basis and fertilize them regularly.

Most orchids prefer a lot of sunlight, but some will do better in a dark environment. If your orchids are exposed to too much heat, they may die or develop poor root systems. Make sure that your orchids are given the correct amount of sunlight and water every day. Do not let them freeze during the winter season or they will become brittle. Remember that your orchids have delicate roots so do not over-water them.

When choosing the pot for your orchid plants, you need to purchase one that has an interior space large enough for your orchid. Most orchids are kept in pots that are the right size for their orchid. Pots for tropical orchids need to be deep enough to protect the orchid from drastic temperature changes. Orchids can live for more than ten years if given proper care. You will be rewarded with a lifetime of beauty and joy when you start to care for your orchid plants.